Government Aggresses Against A Campfire

I bought some property a week ago and was working on it with friends, clearing brush to build a house. We were burning branches in a 3'x5' fire pit - dug into sand, surrounded by rocks - with flames no more than a few inches high, and some guy parked his truck facing the wrong way on Route 4 and angrily told me to put it out, that it was illegal because we had no permit. I politely refused, stating that I was harming no one and that it was my property, and he left to call the state police (notice how he turned to violence and control, rather than the fire department for safety). The local police showed up and went through the same thing: "put out the fire if you don't have a permit." I politely refused again, and the cop called the fire department. The first fire volunteer, Jay, came in his personal truck and said nothing but "You're not going to make me get the truck to put this out, are you?" We said that we weren't putting out the fire. He left and returned with a large fire truck a few minutes later along with all the volunteer firefighters (all of whom stood around and did nothing except the fire chief and Jay) and they extended a 100' hose and sprayed water and foam into my fire pit (while mishandling their equipment). Then the cop said he'd come back with a citation for burning without a permit and one of the fire volunteers said they'd be sending me a bill. I told them I'd refuse to pay their bills or their fines because I didn't ask for or want their "services."

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• john
• babiarz
• police
• fire
• volunteer
• campfire
• tyranny
• government
• overreaction
• over-reaction
• grafton
• new
• hampshire
• merle
• ridiculous

[mcmikemn]

Well made arguments, MsBertDog and dmmm32! Calling me names has completely convinced me that you are correct and I am wrong. Your hostility and lack of reasoning has shown me the light. Thanks for taking the time to converse with me and help straighten me out!

[optionism]

@BroccoliTowel the law is a piece of paper and nothing more. police should let people peacefully go about their business (and not extinguish campfires). if their is a conflict between persons, police should help mediate the dispute.

[PeopleintheStatic]

Fuck the police.

[runningwolfkenpo]

You risk everyones safety because you feel your rights are being violated. Give me a break. Grow up!!!!

[navyk77]

Those of us who are fighting a much larger battle for our rights and freedoms would appreciate it if you wouldn't nitpick local bylaws and regulations that involve the safety of the population based on the amount of precipitation that was received. You obviously know these EMS and I don't know your history with them, so I can't make an informed decision. I do know that you know you have a volunteer FD and 2 were enjoying their day like you, but you felt the need to use GOV funds 2 use them.

[navyk77]

And this is why the North won

[nemo227]

Mike, if the law says, "No open fires." You must not have an open fire. You won't like jail. You're not exempt. but you are stubborn.

[grennanrt]

F..k the council the lazy ba..ds

[MsBertDog]

Oh my God!  It is apparent that you have no education. Better look up and understand the definition of tyranny, you idiot. We applaud and support laws that protect us from idiots like you, so it is not "oppressive" government. One bucket of water could have ended your ordeal, so no sympathy for jerks like you. OH, BTW, you better have a license/permit to peddle your food (using that term loosely), or more "opressive government will be notified!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

[clintrdaniel]

@MsBertDog  Now see it is "TYRANNY" that you are siding with.

[Marcel1157]

a simple bucket of water would do the job. Let's go mister officer, make it big.

By the way, dont forget the ticket, your boss will like it.

TO SERVE AND PROTECT

[prutledge07]

That being said, there are channels to voice your opinions and why you think there should be exceptions to the rules set forth. =D